PF arrests members of criminal organization suspected of selling Argentine wines irregularly in Brazil

A man and a woman were arrested red-handed in Paraná, this Thursday (15), suspected of being part of a criminal organization involved in the smuggling of Argentine wines, which were resold in Brazil.

The Federal Police operation carried out 25 search and seizure warrants in five states and the Federal District. In addition to the couple, a third person was arrested in the act, in Goiás, for illegal possession of a firearm.

Descaminho involves the import or export of goods that are legal in the country, but without paying mandatory taxes and duties owed to the State. It is a different crime from smuggling, which occurs when imported or exported merchandise is prohibited by law in the country.

According to delegate Mateus Calabresi Liutti, from the Federal Police, the couple was arrested in Curitiba. The suspects are the main ones investigated in the case.

"Patrimonial measures were also authorized, including the seizure of properties and vehicles linked to those under investigation, with the aim of targeting assets related to criminal activity. The main objective of the operation is to gather evidence, individualize the activities of those involved, and interrupt this structure of irregular distribution and commercialization of foreign wines", explained delegate Liutti.

The PF operation mobilized more than 100 police officers and the warrants were executed in the municipalities of Curitiba, São José dos Pinhais, Pinhais, Fazenda Rio Grande, Ampére, Foz do Iguaçu and Umuarama (PR); Volta Redonda, Campos dos Goytacazes and Niterói (RJ); Goiânia and Rio Verde (GO); Vila Velha and Vitória (ES); Teresina (PI); and Brasília (DF).

The PF states that there is evidence that the suspects' assets were registered in the name of family members and third parties, to hide the true owners and make inspection difficult. Shell companies, false tax documents and third-party bank accounts are being investigated by the police.

Those investigated may respond, depending on the individual participation determined, for embezzlement, ideological falsehood, money laundering and criminal organization.

The Federal Police operation began in March 2025, after the seizure of 4,200 bottles of wine in a warehouse located in a city in Greater Curitiba. The merchandise, of foreign origin, was valued at R$900,000.

According to the PF, analysis of the material showed evidence that the structured criminal organization operated in different regions of the country.

The police point out that the group used a complex logistical structure to introduce Argentine wines irregularly into Brazil, store them in warehouses in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba and distribute them to resellers in several states across the country.